Of vs. About: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 1, 2024
Of denotes belonging, origin, or composition, whereas about suggests a topic, subject matter, or proximity.
Key Differences
Of is often used to indicate a relationship or belonging, such as "a member of the team." It denotes possession or association. In contrast, about is used to reference the subject or topic of something, like in "a book about history," indicating what the book discusses or deals with.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
Of can signify the material or components that make up something, as in "made of gold." It indicates composition or makeup. Meanwhile, about is employed to describe the vicinity or proximity, like "standing about the house," suggesting nearness or surrounding area.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
When indicating origin or source, of is the preferred choice, exemplified in "a native of Canada." It denotes where something or someone comes from. About, however, is used to suggest a general topic or area of discussion, as in "talking about politics," which implies the subject matter of the conversation.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
In expressing a relation to a specific detail, of is used, like in "the sound of music," where it connects the sound with music. On the other hand, about can indicate an approximate estimate, such as "about ten people," suggesting a rough figure or estimation.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
Of is also used in expressions of time and measurements, like "a quarter of an hour." It specifies a part of a whole. About can express movement in various directions or positions, as in "walking about the room," implying moving around within a space.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Usage in Expressions
"A piece of cake", "Songs of the 80s"
"Talking about history", "About five miles"
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Jan 01, 2024
Relationship or Association
"The king of Spain", "A city of culture"
"A seminar about marketing"
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Jan 01, 2024
Approximation or Estimate
"One of many", "Some of the time"
"About ten people", "Roughly about a mile"
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Jan 01, 2024
Movement or Position
"The edge of the table", "South of the river"
"Walking about the park", "Looking about"
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Jan 01, 2024
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Of and About Definitions
Of
Indicating possession or belonging.
The colors of the rainbow are vibrant.
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Dec 16, 2023
About
Referring to a topic or subject matter.
He wrote a book about ancient Rome.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 16, 2023
About
Suggesting approximation or estimate.
There were about twenty people in the room.
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Dec 16, 2023
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Of
Used in measurements or quantities.
A cup of sugar is needed for the recipe.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 16, 2023
Of
So as to be separated or relieved from
Robbed of one's dignity.
Cured of distemper.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
In the area or vicinity; near
Spoke to a few spectators standing about.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
From the total or group comprising
Give of one's time.
Two of my friends.
Most of the cases.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
On the verge of doing something; presently going to do something. Used with the infinitive
The chorus is about to sing.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
Usage Problem Used to show determination or intention in negative constructions with an infinitive
I am not about to concede the point.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
In the vicinity of; around
Explored the rivers and streams about the estate.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
In the act or process of
While you're about it, please clean your room.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
Being in evidence or existence
Rumors are about concerning his resignation.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
With reference to; about
Think highly of her proposals.
Will speak of it later.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
In a circle around; all round; on every side of; on the outside of.
The snake was coiled about his ankle.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
Over or upon different parts of; through or over in various directions; here and there in; to and fro in; throughout.
Rubbish was strewn about the place.
The children were running about the room.
He was well known about town.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
Indicates that something will happen very soon; indicates a plan or intention to do something.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
Concerning; with regard to; on account of; on the subject of; to affect.
He talked a lot about his childhood.
We must do something about this problem.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
Within or in the immediate neighborhood of; in contiguity or proximity to; near, as to place.
I can't find my reading glasses, but they must be somewhere about the house.
John's in the garden, probably somewhere about the woodshed.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
On one's person; nearby the person.
I had no weapon about me but a stick.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
(figurative) In or near, as in mental faculties or (literally) in the possession of; under the control of; at one's command; in one's makeup.
He has his wits about him.
There was an air of confidence about the woman.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
On all sides; around.
I looked about at the scenery that surrounded me.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
From, away from (a position, number, distance etc.).
There are no shops within twenty miles of the cottage.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
Here and there; around; in one place and another; up and down.
Bits of old machinery were lying about.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
From one place or position to another in succession; indicating repeated movement or activity.
Walking about;
Rushing about;
Jumping about;
Thrashing about
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
Indicating removal, absence or separation, with the action indicated by a transitive verb and the quality or substance by a grammatical object.
Finally she was relieved of the burden of caring for her sick husband.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
Indicating unproductive or unstructured activity.
Messing about;
Fooling about;
Loafing about
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
Indicating removal, absence or separation, with resulting state indicated by an adjective.
He seemed devoid of human feelings.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
Nearly; approximately; with close correspondence in quality, manner, degree, quantity, or time; almost.
It's about as cold as it was last winter.
He owes me about three hundred dollars.
Dinner's about ready.
I was so scared, I about fainted.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
(obsolete) Indicating removal, absence or separation, construed with an intransitive verb.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
To a reversed order; half round; facing in the opposite direction; from a contrary point of view.
To face about;
To turn oneself about
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
Indicating an ancestral source or origin of descent.
The word is believed to be of Japanese origin.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
(nautical) To the opposite tack: see go about.
We went about and headed offshore.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
Introducing an epithet that indicates a birthplace, residence, dominion, or other place associated with the individual.
Jesus of Nazareth (after hometown)
Anselm of Canterbury (after diocese)
Anselm of Aosta (after birthplace)
Anselm of Bec (after monastery)
Pedro II of Brazil (after dominion)
Mrs Miggins of Gasworks Road, Mudchester (after place of residence)
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
Indicating a (non-physical) source of action or emotion; introducing a cause, instigation; from, out of, as an expression of.
The invention was born of necessity.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
(archaic) In circuit; circularly; by a circuitous way; around the outside; in circumference.
A mile about, and a third of a mile across
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
(following an intransitive verb) Indicates the source or cause of the verb.
It is said that she died of a broken heart.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
Moving around; astir.
Out and about;
Up and about
After my bout with Guillan-Barre Syndrome, it took me 6 months to be up and about again.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
(following an adjective) Indicates the subject or cause of the adjective.
I am tired of all this nonsense.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
In existence; being in evidence; apparent.
This idea has been about for a while but has only recently become fashionable.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
Near; in the vicinity or neighbourhood.
I had my keys just a minute ago, so they must be about somewhere.
Watch out, there's a thief about.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
(following a passive verb) Indicates the agent (for most verbs, now usually expressed with by).
I am not particularly enamoured of this idea.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
Used to introduce the "subjective genitive"; following a noun to form the head of a postmodifying noun phrase (see also 'Possession' senses below).
The contract can be terminated at any time with the agreement of both parties.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
In the immediate neighborhood of; in contiguity or proximity to; near, as to place; by or on (one's person).
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
(following an adjective) Used to indicate the agent of something described by the adjective.
It was very brave of you to speak out like that.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
Over or upon different parts of; through or over in various directions; here and there in; to and fro in; throughout.
Lampoons . . . were handed about the coffeehouses.
Roving still about the world.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
Near; not far from; - determining approximately time, size, quantity.
He went out about the third hour.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
(after a verb expressing construction, making etc.) Used to indicate the material or substance used.
Many 'corks' are now actually made of plastic.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
In concern with; engaged in; intent on.
I must be about my Father's business.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
(directly following a noun) Used to indicate the material of the just-mentioned object.
She wore a dress of silk.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
On the point or verge of; going; in act of.
Paul was now aboutto open his mouth.
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Dec 13, 2023
Of
Indicating the composition of a given collective or quantitative noun.
What a lot of nonsense!
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
Concerning; with regard to; on account of; touching.
She must have her way about Sarah.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
Used to link a given class of things with a specific example of that class.
Welcome to the historic town of Harwich.
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Dec 13, 2023
Of
Links two nouns in near-apposition, with the first qualifying the second; "which is also".
I'm not driving this wreck of a car.
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Dec 13, 2023
About
In circuit; circularly; by a circuitous way; around the outside; as, a mile about, and a third of a mile across.
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Dec 13, 2023
About
Here and there; around; in one place and another.
Wandering about from house to house.
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Dec 13, 2023
Of
Links an intransitive verb, or a transitive verb and its subject (especially verbs to do with thinking, feeling, expressing etc.), with its subject-matter; concerning, with regard to.
I'm always thinking of you.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
Nearly; approximately; with close correspondence, in quality, manner, degree, etc.; as, about as cold; about as high; - also of quantity, number, time.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
(following a noun (now chiefly nouns of knowledge, communication etc.)) Introduces its subject matter; about, concerning.
He told us the story of his journey to India.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
To a reserved position; half round; in the opposite direction; on the opposite tack; as, to face about; to turn one's self about.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
(following an adjective) Introduces its subject matter.
This behaviour is typical of teenagers.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
(of quantities) imprecise but fairly close to correct;
Lasted approximately an hour
In just about a minute
He's about 30 years old
I've had about all I can stand
We meet about once a month
Some forty people came
Weighs around a hundred pounds
Roughly $3,000
Holds 3 gallons, more or less
20 or so people were at the party
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
(following a number or other quantitive word) Introduces the whole for which is indicated only the specified part or segment; "from among".
Most of these apples are rotten.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
All around or on all sides;
Dirty clothes lying around (or about)
Let's look about for help
There were trees growing all around
She looked around her
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
In the area or vicinity;
A few spectators standing about
Hanging around
Waited around for the next flight
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
Some, an amount of, one of.
On the whole, they seem to be of the decent sort.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
To or among many different places or in no particular direction;
Wandering about with no place to go
People were rushing about
News gets around (or about)
Traveled around in Asia
He needs advice from someone who's been around
She sleeps around
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
Links to a genitive noun or possessive pronoun, with partitive effect (though now often merged with possessive senses, below).
He is a friend of mine.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
In or to a reversed position or direction;
About face
Brought the ship about
Suddenly she turned around
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
Belonging to, existing in, or taking place in a given location, place or time. Compare "origin" senses, above.
He was perhaps the most famous scientist of the twentieth century.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; `near' is sometimes used informally for `nearly' and `most' is sometimes used informally for `almost';
The job is (just) about done
The baby was almost asleep when the alarm sounded
We're almost finished
The car all but ran her down
He nearly fainted
Talked for nigh onto 2 hours
The recording is well-nigh perfect
Virtually all the parties signed the contract
I was near exhausted by the run
Most everyone agrees
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
Belonging to (a place) through having title, ownership or control over it.
The owner of the nightclub was arrested.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
Belonging to (someone or something) as something they possess or have as a characteristic; the "possessive genitive". (With abstract nouns, this intersects with the subjective genitive, above under "agency" senses.)
Keep the handle of the saucepan away from the flames.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
About
Describing movement within an area.
She was pacing about the room nervously.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 16, 2023
Of
Follows an agent noun, verbal noun or noun of action.
She had a profound distrust of the police.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
Links an adjective with a noun or noun phrase to form a quasi-adverbial qualifier; in respect to, as regards.
My companion seemed affable and easy of manner.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
Indicates a quality or characteristic; "characterized by".
Pooh was said to be a bear of very little brain.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
Indicates quantity, age, price, etc.
We have been paying interest at a rate of 10%.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
Used to link singular indefinite nouns (preceded by the indefinite article) and attributive adjectives modified by certain common adverbs of degree.
It's not that big of a deal.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
During the course of (a set period of time, day of the week etc.), now specifically with implied repetition or regularity.
Of an evening, we would often go for a stroll along the river.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
For (a given length of time).
I’ve not tekken her out of a goodly long while.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
(after a noun) Indicates duration of a state, activity etc.
After a delay of three hours, the plane finally took off.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
Denotes the number of minutes before the hour;Before (the hour); to.
What's the time? / Nearly a quarter of three.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
(usually in modal perfect constructions) have, chiefly in depictions of colloquial speech.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
In a general sense, from, or out from; proceeding from; belonging to; relating to; concerning; - used in a variety of applications; as:
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
Denoting that from which anything proceeds; indicating origin, source, descent, and the like; as, he is of a race of kings; he is of noble blood.
That holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
Denoting possession or ownership, or the relation of subject to attribute; as, the apartment of the consul: the power of the king; a man of courage; the gate of heaven.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
Denoting the material of which anything is composed, or that which it contains; as, a throne of gold; a sword of steel; a wreath of mist; a cup of water.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
Denoting part of an aggregate or whole; belonging to a number or quantity mentioned; out of; from amongst; as, of this little he had some to spare; some of the mines were unproductive; most of the company.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
It is a duty to communicate of those blessings we have received.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
Denoting that by which a person or thing is actuated or impelled; also, the source of a purpose or action; due to; as, they went of their own will; no body can move of itself; he did it of necessity.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
Denoting reference to a thing; about; concerning; relating to; as, to boast of one's achievements; they talked of many things.
Knew you of this fair work?
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
Denoting nearness or distance, either in space or time; from; as, within a league of the town; within an hour of the appointed time.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
Denoting identity or equivalence; - used with a name or appellation, and equivalent to the relation of apposition; as, the continent of America; the city of Rome; the Island of Cuba.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
Denoting the agent, or person by whom, or thing by which, anything is, or is done; by.
And told to her of [by] some.
He taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.
[Jesus] being forty days tempted of the devil.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
Denoting relation to place or time; belonging to, or connected with; as, men of Athens; the people of the Middle Ages; in the days of Herod.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Of
During; in the course of.
Not be seen to wink of all the day.
My custom always of the afternoon.
Why, knows not Montague, that of itselfEngland is safe, if true within itself?
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is "about" appropriate for precise measurements?
No, "about" is used for approximations, not exact measurements.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
Can "about" be used for exact locations?
Typically, "about" suggests a general area rather than a precise location.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
Is "about" used in expressing concern?
Yes, as in "She asked about your well-being."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
How does "of" function in expressions of quantity?
"Of" is used to specify a part of a group, like "some of the students."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
Is "of" only used for physical possession?
No, "of" can denote both physical and abstract relationships, like "a piece of advice."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
How is "of" used in historical contexts?
"Of" can denote a period or event, like "the music of the 1960s."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
Can "of" indicate a part of a day or time?
Yes, like "in the morning of life" or "an hour of the day."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
Does "about" imply uncertainty?
It can, especially when used for estimates like "about 10 people."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
How is "of" used in legal language?
In legal language, "of" often denotes belonging or association, like "the laws of the country."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
Does "of" imply a closer relationship than "about"?
Often yes, as "of" can indicate a direct connection or belonging.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
Does "about" always mean "approximately"?
No, it can also mean concerning a topic or subject matter.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
Can "about" be used for time?
Yes, in an approximate sense, like "about noon."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
Is "of" used in formal contexts more often?
Yes, "of" is common in formal or literary contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
Can "about" indicate a general area in directions?
Yes, like "look about the room."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
Is "about" suitable in academic writing?
Yes, especially when introducing a topic or theme.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
Can "of" be replaced with "about" in sentences?
Not always, as they serve different grammatical purposes.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
How does "of" relate to origin?
"Of" can denote where something or someone is from, like "a person of Italian descent."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
Does "about" have different meanings in different contexts?
Yes, its meaning can vary from proximity to subject matter.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
Does "about" always mean close proximity?
Not always; it can also mean surrounding or concerning a topic.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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